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US Vice President JD Vance recently made a statement that has sent shockwaves through the immigrant community: “A green card does not give an individual an indefinite right to stay in the United States.” This remark, coupled with recent changes in immigration policies, has fueled anxiety among millions of Indian-origin immigrants.
With the US government tightening immigration rules, legal experts are now advising caution for Green Card and H-1B visa holders planning to travel abroad. Immigration agencies have increased scrutiny at ports of entry, adding new layers of complexity to an already challenging process.
Increased Travel Scrutiny Amid Immigration Crackdown
In the wake of the Trump Administration’s intensified crackdown on both legal and illegal immigration, multiple federal agencies have ramped up their oversight of travelers entering and leaving the country. These agencies include:
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
For Indian nationals working, studying, or residing in the US under Green Cards, H-1B, or F-1 visas, this means increased checks and potential delays at ports of entry. While these visa categories legally grant residency, work, or study rights, heightened scrutiny has become an unavoidable reality.
This shift comes after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose travel restrictions on citizens from 43 countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bhutan. Although India is not on the restricted list, immigration attorneys still recommend exercising extreme caution when planning travel outside the US.
Delays, Detentions, and Administrative Backlogs
One of the immediate effects of these heightened checks has been an overwhelming backlog in visa processing and re-entry approvals. Many travelers are experiencing prolonged visa stamping delays, not just at US ports of entry but also at US embassies and consulates worldwide.
The increased application and document scrutiny has resulted in additional administrative reviews at various stages, causing unprecedented delays. Reports indicate that applications are frequently being put on hold without clear explanations, leading to longer processing times and growing frustration among visa holders.
Legal experts warn that Green Card holders, H-1B professionals, and F-1 students should be prepared for unexpected hurdles, especially if they have extended international travel plans.
Essential Checklist for Hassle-Free Re-Entry
To minimize potential issues at the border, immigration attorneys strongly advise visa holders to carry the following documents when traveling:
- Valid passport of their home country
- Unexpired Green Card (Form I-551)
- Valid H-1B or F-1 visa with multiple-entry permission
- US Re-Entry Permit (if staying outside the US for more than one year but less than two)
- Employment verification letter
- W-2 form and proof of tax payments for the past year
- Payslips or salary proof for the most recent three months
- Official letter from the university (for F-1 visa holders)
- US bank account documents
- Valid US driver’s license
Additionally, travelers should be prepared for:
- Extended questioning by Customs and Border Protection officers upon re-entry
- Secondary inspections that may take over two hours
- Additional scrutiny if they have been outside the US for more than six months
- Ensuring their visa or Green Card is renewed well before the expiration date
- The option to file an appeal if a Green Card is revoked
- More in-depth questioning for F-1 visa holders transitioning to H-1B status
- Additional checks for individuals whose H-1B visa expired over a year ago but are awaiting renewal
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